1. United States
2. Texas
3. Letter

I am writing to express my deep concern and outrage over the unconstitutional confinement of Texas Democratic Representative Nicole Collier in the Texas House chambers. This egregious violation of her rights as an elected official and a citizen must be addressed immediately. Rep. Collier, who has been vocal in her opposition to the contentious redistricting plan backed by former President Donald Trump, is being unlawfully detained and denied her freedom of movement within the Capitol. The requirement imposed by GOP House Speaker Dustin Burrows that Democratic representatives be escorted by state troopers when leaving the chamber is a clear infringement on their constitutional rights and dignity as elected officials. This situation arose after some Democrats, including Rep. Collier, returned for a second special session following their earlier departure from Texas to break quorum and block the vote on the redistricting plan. The plan in question is likely to pass despite Democratic opposition, but that does not justify the current treatment of elected representatives. Rep. Collier has rightly refused this invasive monitoring, stating that it compromises her dignity as an elected representative. In response to this unlawful confinement, she has filed a habeas corpus petition alleging 'illegal confinement'. Her stance has garnered support from Democrats across Texas and the nation, highlighting the severity of this constitutional crisis. The actions taken against Rep. Collier and other Democratic representatives set a dangerous precedent that threatens the very foundations of our democratic system. Elected officials must be free to move about the Capitol and perform their duties without intimidation or unwarranted surveillance. I urge you to take immediate action to ensure the release of Rep. Collier and all other confined representatives. Furthermore, I call on you to condemn these unconstitutional practices and work towards establishing safeguards that protect the rights and dignity of all elected officials, regardless of their party affiliation or stance on specific issues. The integrity of our democratic institutions is at stake. We must act now to uphold the Constitution and preserve the freedoms it guarantees for all, including our elected representatives.